The foundation to develop art in Japan that became the museum
Businessman Magosaburo Ohara and painter Torajiro Kojima formed the basis behind the rich collection. Western paintings are a familiar sight now, but it is because of the numerous paintings that were gathered during a time when overseas information was not easy to come by that high interest was formed in Japan. The public feeling of “…providing a place to appreciate and research excellent works of art for young artists and general lovers of art…”has been passed down to the present day, and that collection has continued to develop while being reflected onto each generation. Many of the famous works of the world’s masters such as Monet, Renoir, Gauguin and Picasso along with the works of artists in the museum for the first time are on display. Among these masterpieces, the Ohara Museum of Art has The Annunciation by El Greco, only one of two of the artist’s works that are in Japan. This painting has received many visitors.
The buildings that blend into Kurashiki are also a highlight
The museum has developed over the ages. In 1961, the Annex to display Western paintings of modern Japan and the Craft Art Gallery converted from a warehouse were opened. Afterwards, the Asiatic Art Gallery to exhibit Chinese art and the Torajiro Kojima Memorial Hall located within Kurashiki Ivy Square were opened so that the collection has grown and been replenished. Also, the water lilies in the pond by the Craft Art Gallery are extremely precious since they are the literal descendants of Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” brought over from his personal garden in Giverny, France. They can be seen once a year between June and October during which they charm visitors to the museum with their lovely colors of gold and pink.